Richard Travis

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Richard Charles Travis VC, DCM, MM (6 April 1884-25 July 1918) was a New Zealander recipient of the Victoria Cross, the highest and most prestigious award for gallantry in the face of the enemy that can be awarded to Commonwealth forces. His real name was Dickson Cornelius Savage.

He was 34 years old, and a sergeant in the 2nd Battalion, Otago Infantry Regiment, New Zealand Expeditionary Force during the First World War when the following deed took place for which he was awarded the VC.

On 24 July 1918 at Rossignol Wood, north of Hebuterne, France, it was necessary to destroy an impassable wire block and Sergeant Travis volunteered for this duty. In broad daylight and in proximity to enemy posts he crawled out, successfully bombing the block and the attacking parties were able to pass through. A little later when a bombing party was held up by machine-guns Sergeant Travis rushed the position, capturing the guns and killing the crew, also an officer and three men who attacked him, thus enabling the bombing party to advance. He was killed next day while going from post to post encouraging his men.